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PITTSBURGH - The Duquesne University men's basketball program announced today that the NCAA has approved a waiver submitted by DU that grants Drake transfer Micah Mason (Natrona Heights, Pa./Highlands/Drake) relief from the mandatory one-year residency requirement, allowing the sophomore guard to play for the Dukes this season.

"This is great news for Micah and his family," said Duquesne men's basketball head coach Jim Ferry. "I am very pleased that the NCAA recognized the merit of the waiver. Our administration and staff did a great job in supporting Micah throughout this process. I know Micah is looking forward to competing and contributing to the team. He is a quality person as well as a great teammate. I'm sure he'll make the most of this opportunity."

Mason played in 30 of 32 games with 11 starts as a true freshman at Drake last season, where he averaged 5.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 15.6 minutes per game. The western Pennsylvania native was the top 3-point shooter in the Missouri Valley Conference both overall (40-of-79, .506) and in conference games only (24-of-51, .471) (his 1.3 makes per game did not qualify him for an NCAA ranking - min. 2.5 made per game).

Mason was a prolific scorer at nearby Highlands High School where he finished his career with 2,272 points - the 12th-highest total in Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League history. He set a WPIAL record with 346 3-pointers and was named Class AAA first team all-state as a junior and senior. The 6-2 guard was the first player in over 30 years to lead the WPIAL in scoring in back-to-back seasons.

Mason, who has been practicing with the team, will be in uniform for the Dukes' season opener on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. against Abilene Christian at the Palumbo Center.